MODERN  SWIMMING 

AN  ILLUSTRATED  MANUAL. 


J.  H.  P.  BROWN 


WITH   FORTY   DRAWINGS  BY 

A.    A.   JANSSON 


BOSTON 

SMALL,  MAYNARD  &  COMPANY 
PUBLISHERS 


Copyright,  1916 
BY  SMALL,  MAYNARD  &  COMPANY 

(INCORPORATED) 


PREFACE 

The  annual  toll  paid  to  Neptune  in 
valuable  lives  should  be  a  sufficient  in- 
centive for  every  one  to  learn  how  to 
swim. 

Every  child  above  the  age  of  five 
years,  as  well  as  every  adult,  should  be 
perfectly  at  home  in  the  water. 

The  teaching  of  swimming  should  be 
made  compulsory  in  every  school  and  a 
perfect  knowledge  of  it  exacted  of  all 
who  have  the  management  of  vessels,  as 
well  as  of  those  employed  thereon. 

As  a  preventative  of  disease  as  well 
as  an  up-builder  of  the  body  and  a 
moulder  of  form  it  stands  without  a 
rival  among  all  the  systems  devised  for 
the  purpose  of  physical  care  and  perfec- 
tion. It  is  likewise  a  powerful  agent 
for  the  development  of  the  mind  and 
will,  as  likewise  the  suppleness,  activity  . 
and  precision  of  the  body  in  its  action^ 


357372 


PREFACE 

The  delicate  in  constitution,  as  also 
the  deformed,  will  find  in  it  a  genuine 
panacea. 

The  proper  place  for  its  exercise  is 
in  the  open  and  not  in  a  swimming-pool. 
The  reason  is,  or  should  be,  perfectly 
plain  to  one  who  will  give  the  matter 
a  little  thought.  Disease  is  most  read- 
ily communicated  through  the  skin. 
At  the  risk  of  being  considered  censori- 
ous I  would  advise  reflection  before  pat- 
ronizing any  kind  of  swimming-pool. 
Who  would  wash  in  the  same  bath-tub  at 
the  same  time  with  another  person,  even 
though  there  were  a  good  current  of 
fresh,  clean  water  running  through  it 
all  the  time?  What  is  the  difference, 
even  though  the  swimming-pool  be 
large?  The  swarms  of  human  beings 
that  employ  them  at  the  same  time  make 
the  danger  or  the  unpleasantness  of  the 
thought  none  the  less.  Moreover,  free, 
open  air  and  not  wholly  or  partly  viti- 
ated air  is  absolutely  essential  to  obtain 
value  from  the  exercise. 


Contents 


CHAPTER  PAGE 

I     How  TO  LEARN  TO  SWIM   ....     13 
II    FLOATING  AND  RELAXATION     ...     15 

III  PROPER  POSITION  ;  DELIBERATE  MOVE- 

MENTS; THE  WRIST-TURN     ...     30 

IV  How  TO  SWIM  ON  THE  BACK  ...     38 
V    THE  CHEST-STROKE 46 

VI  THE  ENGLISH  SIDE-STROKE  ....  52 

VII  THE  AUSTRALIAN  STROKE  ....  60 

VIII  THE  TRUDGEON  STROKE 64 

IX  THE    CRAWL-STROKE 72 

X     THE  CORKSCREW;   TREADING  WATER; 

THE  PENDULUM;  THE  LOG- ROLL   .     80 

XI  WATER-DIVING 87 

XII  DIVING 101 

XIII  How  TO  TEACH  SWIMMING       .      .     .   137 

XIV  ACCIDENTS 144 

XV  RESUSCITATION    METHODS    ....   158 

XVI    DON'TS 174 


Illustrations 


FIGURE  PAGE 

1  Back-floating  Position 19 

2  Stomach-floating  Position 23 

3  Side-floating        27 

4  The  Wrist-movement 33 

5  Back-swimming:  leg  start       ....  39 

6  Back-swimming:  arm  movement  ...  43 

7  Back-swimming:    position   before    deliv- 

ery      47 

8  Chest-swimming 53 

9  Coordination  of  the  limbs  in  the  Chest- 

stroke    57 

10  Proper  position  to  start  the  Chest-stroke  61 

11  Side-stroke:  starting  position       ...  65 

12  Side-stroke:  legs  and  arms  at  half-stroke  69 

13  The  Australian  stroke 73 

14  Proper  position  for  the  Australian  stroke  77 

15  The  Trudgeon  stroke 81 

16  Position  of  the  arms  and  legs  after  the 

roll 85 

17  Coordination  of  the  arm  and  leg  in  the 

Crawl-stroke 89 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

FIGURE  PAGE 

1 8  Treading  water 93 

19  The  water-head-first-dive 95 

20  Deep-water  Porpoise 99 

21  The  Regular  Porpoise 103 

22  Feet-first-dive 105 

23  Head-first-forward-standing-dive  .      .      .  109 

24  The  standing-back-dive in 

25  The  side-dive *  .      .115 

26  The  whirl-dive 117 

27  Forward-somersault,  feet  first  ....  121 

28  Forward-somersault,  head-first     .      .      .  123 

29  The  handspring-dive 127 

30  The   standing-sit-dive 129 

31  Standing-sit-standing-dive        ....  133 

32  Standing-sit-somersault-dive    .      .      .      .135 

33  Back-drop-to-sit-rebound-back-dive    .      .  141 

34  Back-jack-knife-dive 147 

35  The  arm-lock 151 

36  The  chin-hold 155 

37  The  shoulder-grip 159 

38  First  movement  in  resuscitation  .      .      .  163 

39  Second  movement  in  resuscitation      .      .  167 

40  Start  of  artificial  respiration  ....  171 


MODERN  SWIMMING 


MODERN    SWIMMING 

CHAPTER  I 

HOW  TO  LEARN  TO  SWIM 

Any  person  over  five  years  of  age  may 
become  a  good  swimmer.  Some  learn 
quickly,  others  take  time. 

A  false  stroke  is  hard  to  get  rid  of,  so 
care  should  be  exercised  from  the  be- 
ginning to  do  every  movement  properly. 

Take  time  to  learn  and  you  will  ad- 
vance much  more  rapidly. 

The  proper  place  to  begin  is  in  the 
open,  because,  aside  from  hygienic  rea- 
sons, you  are  brought  face  to  face  with 
a  variety  of  conditions,  which  you  have 
to  meet  and  which  will  give  you  the 
necessary  nerve  to  carry  out  what  is  re- 
quired of  you,  so  that  you  may  learn 
readily  and  properly. 

13 


SWIMMING 

First  learn  how  to  float  and  ascertain 
the  buoyancy  of  your  body.  This 
knowledge  will  give  you  confidence  to 
start  the  different  strokes,  for  these  are 
all  taken  from  one  or  the  other  of  the 
three  floating  positions. 

Breathe  properly.  The  nose,  not  the 
mouth,  is  made  to  breathe  with. 

Relax  thoroughly.  This  is  the  whole 
secret  of  healthy,  competent  and  pleas- 
ant natatorial  pastime.  Tension  tires, 
arrests  progress  and  injures  the  system. 

Lack  of  mental  control,  raising  the 
arms  above  the  head  and  rigidity  of  the 
body  are  the  sure  roads  to  a  watery 
grave. 

When  you  have  ascertained  how  easy 
it  is  to  sustain  the  body  above  the  water 
in  the  different  floating  positions,  you 
will  be  ready  to  graduate  with  ease  and 
confidence  to  the  various  strokes  em- 
ployed in  swimming. 

SUMMARY.  Good  breathing,  re- 
laxation, buoyancy. 


CHAPTER  II 

FLOATING  AND  RELAXATION 

You  cannot  float  unless  you  relax. 
Relaxation  may  be  termed  the  key-note 
to  all  forms  of  buoyancy  and  propulsion 
in  the  water. 

BACK-FLOATING.  This  is  the 
easiest  form  of  floating  and  shall  be  the 
subject  of  our  first  lesson. 

Do  not  hesitate,  go  right  at  it.  Walk 
out  into  the  water  up  to  the  waist-line, 
squat  down  slightly  upon  the  legs  and 
facing  the  open  fall  backwards  so  as  to 
lie  upon  the  water.  The  head  must 
hang  loosely  and  sink  to  the  opening  of 
the  ears ;  the  arms  should  lie  by  the  sides. 
Do  not  bother  about  the  legs ;  if  they  are 
kept  relaxed,  they  will  take  care  of 

15 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

themselves.  If  upon  the  first  impact 
with  the  water  the  head  should  sink  so 
as  to  submerge  the  face,  keep  relaxed 
and  remain  perfectly  quiet  and  the  body 
will  balance  itself  so  as  to  make  you  feel 
at  ease. 

Fill  the  lungs  as  you  drop  to  the  sur- 
face: exhale  when  you  are  comfortably 
positioned  upon  it,  after  which  you 
should  breathe  naturally.  By  practis- 
ing deep  breathing  in  this  manner  you 
will  dispel  much  of  the  nervousness  the 
first  attempt  to  float  generally  causes. 

Never  retain  the  breath;  this  is  done 
only  after  death.  A  regular  intake  of 
air  as  well  as  outlet  of  it  is  absolutely 
essential  to  health.  While  upon  the 
back  keep  the  mouth  shut;  with  each  in- 
halation and  exhalation  allow  the  chest 
to  contract'  and  expand  to  its  fullest 
capacity. 

Several  trials  will  convince  you  that 
your  body  is  better  able  to  float  than  to 
sink.  This  knowledge  will  make  the  at- 
16 


FLOATING  AND  RELAXATION 

tempts  at  the  other  forms  of  floating 
easy. 

The  reason  the  head  must  fall  well 
back  and  be  submerged  is  to  balance  the 
body  and  thus  aid  in  general  relaxa- 
tion. 

Do  not  put  cotton  in  the  ears.  Clean 
water  is  beneficial;  in  fact  the  orifice  of 
the  ear  needs  cleansing  as  well  as  any 
other  part  of  the  body.  If  you  are  bath- 
ing in  salt  water  you  have  one  of  the 
most  salutary  ahtis'eptics :  as  well  as 
cleansers. 

Should  you  be  lacking  in  buoyancy 
because  of  heavy  bones,  you  may  success- 
fully aid  what  you  have  by  fanning  the 
water  with  the  hands,  well  under  the 
water  and  by  the  sides.  This  is  done  by 
simply  revolving  the  hands  upon  the 
wrists.  The  fingers  should  be  kept  close 
together  and  the  hands  well  open  in  this 
movement,  as  well  as  in  all  others  where 
they  are  employed  for  propulsion.  If 
your  position  in  the  water  is  correct,  you 

17 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

can,  by  keeping  up  this  movement,  float 
indefinitely. 

Figure  i  shows  the  exact  poise  of  a 
properly  balanced  body  upon  the  sur- 
face of  the  water. 

SYNOPSIS 

Lie  upon  the  back  in  the  water. 

Relax  thoroughly. 

Allow  the  head  to  drop  so  as  to  cover 
the  ears. 

Breathe  slowly  and  through  the  nose. 

Inhale  as  you  fall  upon  the  back  and 
exhale  as  soon  as  you  are  comfortably 
positioned. 

Keep  the  arms  by  the  sides  and  under 
the  surface. 

The  legs  will  take  care  of  themselves, 
if  relaxed. 

The  top  of  the  head  should  point  to 
the  shore. 

The  depth  of  the  water  under  the  head 
should  be  the  same  as  the  distance  be- 
tween the  waist-line  and  the  feet. 
18 


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in 


§ 


FLOATING  AND  RELAXATION 

As  soon  as  you  feel  perfectly  at  ease 
in  the  back-floating  position,  alternate 
the  positions,  of  the  arms  as  follows: 
first,  extend  them  to  right  angles  with 
the  sides;  second,  clasp  the  hands  to- 
gether, fingers  interlaced,  and  place 
them  under  the  head,  with  the  elbows 
flat  upon  the  water;  third,  fold  the  arms 
over  the  chest;  fourth,  lay  the  hands 
across  the  abdomen;  fifth,  cross  the  arms 
under  the  back;  sixth,  bring  the  fore- 
arms to  right  angles  with  the  upper; 
seventh,  hold  the  arms  straight  above 
you. 

STOMACH-FLOATING.  Step  out 
into  the  water  up  to  the  waist-line  and 
fall  forward  on  to  the  stomach,  facing 
the  shore.  The  face  should  be  sub- 
merged up  to  the  backs  of  the  ears. 
Breathe  in  deeply  as  you  fall  forward 
and  exhale  under  the  water.  Keep  all 
parts  thoroughly  relaxed.  As  soon  as 
you  feel  obliged  to  breathe  in,  raise  the 
21 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

head  to  do  so,  when  it  should  again  be 
immediately  dropped  so  as  to  exhale  as 
before. 

Figure  2  shows  the  proper  position  in 
Stomach-Floating. 

SYNOPSIS 

Face  the  shore  and  fall  forward. 
Breathe  in  as  you  drop  to  position. 
Exhale  under  the  water. 
Keep  well  relaxed. 

Raise  the  head  to  inhale  and  drop  it 
back  quickly  to  exhale. 

SIDE-FLOATING.  This  is  the 
most  difficult  manner  of  sustaining  one- 
self above  the  surface  and  in  correct 
position  because  of  the  difficulty  expe- 
rienced in  keeping  the  body  balanced. 

Take  the  back-floating  position.  Turn 
the  head  so  as  to  have  either  side  of 
the  face  on  the  water.  Bring  the  arm 
and  leg  of  the  opposite  side  to  which  it 
lies  upon,  over  in  front  of  the  body.  As 

22 


FLOATING  AND  RELAXATION 

soon  as  you  have  turned  sufficiently,  bal- 
ance by  moving  the  arm  or  leg  back- 
ward or  forward.  When  you  have  the 
proper  position  straighten  out  the  upper 
leg  so  as  to  lie  directly  over  the  under 
one  and  the  upper  arm  to  repose  upon 
the  side.  Be  sure  to  avoid  tension. 
The  lower  corner  of  the  mouth  should 
be  laved  by  the  water,  and  no  tension  of 
the  neck  muscles  permitted.  Breathe 
in  as  you  turn;  exhale  when  you  are 
properly  positioned. 

SYNOPSIS 

Start  to  turn  from  the  back-floating 
position  by  first  turning  the  head. 

Bring  the  arm  and  leg  over. 

Balance  by  either  the  forward  or 
backward  movement  of  either  the  upper 
leg  or  arm. 

PERPENDICULAR  -  FLOAT- 
ING. This  form  of  demonstrating 
buoyancy  is  one  that  requires  a  knowl- 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

edge  of  swimming  before  attempting  it, 
but  as  it  belongs  to  this  chapter  it  may  be 
just  as  well  to  explain  it  here. 

Swim  out  into  deep  water  and  assume 
an  upright  position  by  allowing  the  legs 
to  drop  so  as  to  bring  the  body  to  an  up- 
right attitude.  Hold  the  arms  close  to 
the  sides.  Fill  the  lungs  to  their  great- 
est capacity.  Exhale  slowly.  As  soon 
as  you  have  established  your  balance 
breathe  naturally. 

As  the  various  positions  in  floating  are 
the  initial  steps  to  all  forms  of  propul- 
sion in  the  water,  they  should  be  thor- 
oughly mastered.  A  disregard  for 
proper  poise  and  relaxation  will  cause 
much  annoyance  in  your  efforts  to  be- 
come graceful  and  efficient  in  the  dif- 
ferent strokes. 

To  rise  from  either  the  back-  or  stom- 
ach-floating positions  it  should  always 
be  borne  in  mind  that  the  head  leads  the 
body.  If  you  are  upon  the  back  raise 
26 


FLOATING  AND  RELAXATION 

the  head  and  allow  the  knees  to  flex  so  as 
to  be  able  to  kick  backward  under  the 
body  and  thus  assist  it  to  an  upright 
position.  If  you  are  in  the  stomach- 
floating  position  simply  allow  the  legs 
to  sink;  at  the  same  time  draw  them  to- 
wards the  abdomen  so  as  to  be  able  to 
kick  downward  as  the  head  is  raised 
from  the  water  and  stretched  back  be- 
tween the  shoulders. 

Life-belts  should  never  be  used; 
wings,  safety  appliances,  etc.,  are  sure  to 
produce  bad  habits  and  to  lessen  confi- 
dence as  well  as  make  you  too  dependent 
upon  outside  assistance  and  should  be 
eschewed. 


29 


CHAPTER  III 

PROPER  POSITION;   DELIBERATE   MOVE- 
MENTS; THE  WRIST-TURN 

All  strokes  are  taken  from  the  floating 
positions  just  explained. 

Relaxation  of  all  parts  of  the  body  is 
imperative. 

The  body  should  at  all  times  lie  per- 
fectly at  ease  and  flat  upon  the  water. 
When  any  section  drops  from  the  hori- 
zontal it  acts  as  a  brake,  impedes  prog- 
ress and  tires  the  swimmer. 

Tension  quickly  exhausts  and  makes 
speed  impossible. 

Improper    attention    to    coordinated 
breathing  with  the  various  movements 
makes  swimming  irksome  and  defeats 
the  object  for  which  it  is  indulged  in. 
30 


PROPER  POSITION 

Movements  without  deliberation  are 
like  a  mind  without  will  power. 

A  splendid  illustration  of  the  results 
of  improper  position  and  absence  of  re- 
laxation may  be  seen  in  the  efforts  which 
are  made  by  the  improperly  instructed 
individual  to  keep  his  head  out  of  the 
water.  He  makes  no  headway,  tires 
himself  out,  lacks  graceful  action  and 
ends  by  pronouncing  the  art  a  failure. 

Straining  the  neck  muscles  to  keep  the 
head  out  of  the  water,  as  well  as  present- 
ing either  the  chest  or  shoulders  against 
the  water,  is  equivalent  to  forcing  a  wall 
against  it,  consequently  arresting  prog- 
ress and  throwing  the  lower  section  into 
a  position  to  act  as  a  further  impediment 
to  advance.  All  tired  backs  come  from 
these  errors. 

At  the  start  take  all  strokes  slowly, 
with  ease  and  grace  but  without  attempts 
at  affectation. 

In  presenting  the  limbs  for  a  stroke 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

never  overlook  the  necessity  for  as  little 
resistance  as  possible  to  the  water  in  do- 
ing so.  Cleave  the  passage  for  the  body 
to  follow  as  though  you  were  opening 
it  with  the  point  of  a  knife.  Do  not 
present  the  open  hands,  point  out  with 
the  fingers.  Never  advance  the  surface 
of  the  arms,  let  them  follow  the  opening 
made  by  a  well  directed  hand.  Like- 
wise with  the  legs, — draw  them  up  so 
as  to  offer  as  little  resistance  as  possible. 

In  pushing  the  water  back  of  you  em- 
ploy all  the  force  you  wish. 

In  drawing  the  legs  up  in  recovery 
straighten  the  feet  back  from  the  ankles. 

The  rotation  of  the  hand  upon  the 
wrist  bears  a  very  important  relation  to 
speed  and  should  be  assiduously  prac- 
tised. It  is  employed  in  all  the  arm 
strokes. 

In  the  chest-  back-  and  side-strokes 
present  the  hand  as  shown  in  Figure  4, 
—that  is,  draw  the  arms  back  to  that 
32 


Figure  4 
THE    WRIST-MOVEMENT 


PROPER  POSITION 

point  where  the  return  for  recovery  is 
to  be  made,  then  start  to  revolve  the 
hand  with  an  inward,  downward  and 
forward  action,  then,  cutting  the  water 
with  the  pointed  hand,  urge  it  forward 
to  the  limit  of  its  reach. 

In  taking  an  over-the-water-stroke 
always  open  it  with  a  straightened-out 
hand  and  the  finger  tips.  Do  not  take 
it  with  a  slap  upon  the  surface  with 
either  the  palm  of  the  hand  or  the  fore- 
arm. 

The  wrist-action  embellishes  the  style, 
increases  the  speed  and  minimizes  mus- 
cular effort. 

Make  all  movements  rhythmetrically 
and  not  in  jerks. 

Avoid  taking  a  chest-arm-stroke  when 
swimming  on  the  side. 

In  the  side-strokes  the  under  arm 
should  never  come  above  the  surface  of 
the  water  in  its  reach  forward  for  de- 
livery. 

35 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

Bobbing  up  and  down  should  be  care- 
fully guarded  against  and  an  even  keel 
always  maintained,  no  matter  what 
stroke  is  being  used. 

A  pretty  swimmer  makes  but  little 
commotion  in  the  water  and  leaves  very 
few  ripples  upon  its  surface  after  he  has 
gone  through  it. 

If  you  have  mastered  the  different 
floating  positions  and  will  bear  in  mind 
the  few  admonitions  and  rules  given,  you 
are  ready  for  your  first  effort  to  propel 
yourself  through  the  water;  in  other 
words,  to  graduate  from  the  back-float- 
ing position  to  the  back-swimming 
movements,  which  will  be  the  subject  of 
our  next  lesson. 

In  Figure  4  the  gradual  rotation  of 
the  wrist  is  illustrated.  The  upper  out- 
line of  the  hand  shows  it  as  it  has  fin- 
ished its  delivery.  As  it  drops  it  re- 
volves upon  the  wrist,  as  shown  by  the 
dotted  lines,  coming  upward  as  in  the 

36 


PROPER  POSITION 

lower  drawing  to  the  position  shown  by 
the  middle  description  of  the  wrist- 
action,  when  the  hand  is  once  more 
ready  to  shoot  forward  in  recovery. 


37 


CHAPTER  IV 

HOW  TO  SWIM  ON  THE  BACK 

BACK-SWIMMING.  First,  take 
the  back-floating  position:  arms  by  the 
sides,  legs  straight,  with  the  feet  in  line 
with  the  shin-bone. 

Second,  turn  the  legs  on  to  their  sides, 
so  that  the  knees  point  outward  and  the 
heels  touch. 

Third,  draw  the  legs  up  toward  the 
body  by  gradually  flexing  the  knees  and 
keeping  the  heels  touching. 

Fourth,  bring  the  feet  to  right  angles 
with  the  shin-bones,  at  the  same  time 
turn  the  legs  to  the  knee-up  position. 

Fifth,  kick  out  to  the  sides  with  the 
soles  of  the  feet,  as  though  you  were  ac- 
tually pushing  against  a  wall. 

Sixth,  bring  the  feet  to  the  stretched- 

38 


HOW  TO  SWIM  ON  THE  BACK 

back  position  and  the  legs  together  with 
force. 

Seventh,  repeat  until  thoroughly  mas- 
tered, being  very  careful  of  the 
stretched-back  position  of  the  feet  on 
their  recovery. 

Each  delivery  should  urge  the  body 
forward  at  least  half  of  its  length. 

The  next  move  is  to  combine  the  arms 
and  legs,  which  is  done  as  follows : 

First,  bring  the  arms  up  from  the  sides 
with  the  recovery  or  drawing-up  move- 
ment of  the  legs.  In  doing  so  glide 
them  over  the  chest  and  face  out  as  far 
in  front  of  the  top  of  the  head  as  you  can 
reach. 

Second,  turn  the  hands  back  to  back 
and  with  the  straightened-out  arms  re- 
turn them  to  the  sides  in  unison  with  the 
leg-kick. 

In  reaching  forward  for  delivery  the 
arms  should  be  kept  close  together,  so 
that  the  palms  of  the  hands  touch  as  they 
pass  over  the  chest  and  face.  Likewise, 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

the  arms  must  be  kept  close  to  the  body 
and  not  raised  above  it  in  their  passage 
to  beyond  the  head. 

Never  show  the  knees  above  the  sur- 
face; this  is  very  bad  form. 

Maintain  the  back-floating  position 
all  through  the  movements, — that  is, 
keep  the  head  low  in  the  water. 

Figure  5  illustrates  the  start  of  the 
legs  in  their  recovery.  Figure  6  shows 
the  arm  movement. 

SYNOPSIS 

Take  the  back-floating  position.  While 
drawing  up  the  legs  bring  up  the  arms 
and,  carrying  them  over  the  body,  reach 
as  far  forward  of  the  head  as  possible. 

Deliver  the  strokes  and  repeat. 

Another  manner  of  taking  the  arm- 
stroke  is  to  raise  the  arms  completely 
out  of  the  water  and  thus  carry  them 
over  the  body  and  beyond  the  head, 
dropping  them  with  the  hands  back  to 
42 


HOW  TO  SWIM  ON  THE  BACK 

back  into  the  water  and  making  the  de- 
livery. The  outer  edges  of  the  hands 
must  cut  the  water  and  care  must  be 
taken  not  to  splash. 

Considerable  speed  may  be  obtained 
upon  the  back  by  simply  kicking  the 
straightened-out  legs  up  and  down  alter- 
nately, with  the  feet  in  the  stretched- 
back  position.  Both  arms  should  rest 
by  the  sides,  and  if  employed  at  all  they 
should  only  move  from  the  fore-arm  and 
the  wrist.  This  movement  is  known  as 
propelling  with  the  hands  and  is  done 
by  revolving  the  hands  upon  the  wrists 
with  a  downward,  inward  and  upward 
action. 

Figure  7  shows  the  position  of  the 
arms  before  delivery,  which  begins  with 
their  drop  into  the  water.  They  should 
never  strike  the  surface  at  right  angles 
to  the  sides. 


CHAPTER  V 

THE  CHEST-STROKE 

The  chest-stroke  is  similar  to  that 
taken  upon  the  back,  only  that  the  posi- 
tion of  the  body  is  reversed. 

The  main  features  not  to  be  lost  sight 
of  in  this  style  of  swimming  are  proper 
coordination  of  the  arms  and  legs, 
proper  breathing  and  complete  strokes. 

Always  bring  the  arms  close  into  the 
sides  at  the  conclusion  of  their  delivery 
and  bring  them  well  up  under  the  chest 
for  their  recovery  or  forward  push. 

Figure  8  shows  the  arm  action.  The 
forearms  are  raised  to  start  the  stroke; 
the  dotted  lines  show  the  position  of  the 
arms  when  forward  of  the  head,  prepar- 
atory to  taking  their  backward  course; 
the  indicated  lines  down  the  side  to  the 


w 
> 


2  •* 
H  s 


w 
w 

o 


THE  CHEST-STROKE 

hip  show  the  relative  length  of  the  back- 
ward delivery  before  taking  the  circular 
sweep  for  their  forward  stroke. 

CHEST-SWIMMING-STROKE 

First,  take  the  stomach-floating  posi- 
tion. 

Second,  raise  the  face  from  the  water 
and  extend  the  arms  forward  of  the  head, 
palms  of  the  hands  touching. 

Third,  turn  the  hands  and  bring  them 
back  to  the  sides  for  recovery. 

Fourth,  when  the  arms  in  their  back- 
ward movement  are  in  a  line  with  the 
shoulders  and  are  ready  to  make  their 
downward  curve,  the  legs,  as  will  be 
seen  in  Figure  9  are  well  on  their  re- 
covery. 

Fifth,  as  the  sweep  of  the  arms  is  con- 
cluded the  legs  will  have  kicked  out  so 
as  to  form  the  letter  Y  of  the  body. 

Sixth,  the  legs  come  together  with 
force  as  the  arms  shoot  forward  for  de- 
livery. 

49 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

The  dark  drawing  in  Figure  9  ex- 
plains the  chest-stroke  in  showing  the 
outward  position  of  the  knees,  the  back- 
ward direction  of  the  feet  from  the 
ankles  and  the  separation  of  the  legs  as 
they  are  being  drawn  up.  The  dotted 
outline  shows  the  position  of  the  body 
after  raising  the  head  from  the  water  to 
begin  the  stroke. 

BREATHING.  Inhale  as  the  arms 
open  out.  Exhale  as  they  come  into  the 
sides  and  shoot  forward  for  their  de- 
livery. A  splendid  practice  for  be- 
ginners is  to  take  one  long  breath,  inha- 
lation and  exhalation,  with  each  deliv- 
ery and  recovery  of  the  arms. 

SYNOPSIS 

Take  the  stomach-floating  position. 

Bring  up  the  arms  under  the  chest 
with  the  hands  palm  to  palm. 

Simultaneously  with  the  advance  of 
the  hands  draw  up  the  legs. 
50 


THE  CHEST-STROKE 

Bring  back  the  arms  and  kick  out  the 
legs. 

While  curving  the  hands  in  for  the 
next  recovery  bring  the  legs  together. 


CHAPTER  VI 

THE  ENGLISH  SIDE-STROKE 

The  English  side-stroke  is  both  a 
graceful  and  rapid  way  of  getting 
through  the  water. 

First,  take  the  side-floating  position. 

Second,  bend  the  lower  section  of  the 
under  leg  so  as  to  bring  it  to  a  right 
angle  with  its  upper  or  thigh  portion. 
Flex  the  ankle  and  with  a  vigorous  kick 
snap  it  into  line  under  the  upper  leg, 
so  that  the  toes  will  touch  the  heel  of 
the  other  foot. 

Third,  advance  the  upper  leg  with  a 
hip  action,  knee  flexed.  When  the  limit 
of  the. reach  is  attained  straighten  out 
the  lower  section  of  the  leg  and  deliver 
the  kick  by  forcing  the  water  down  and 
52 


Figure  8 
CHEST-SWIMMING 


THE  ENGLISH  SIDE-STROKE 

back  of  the  body.  Finish  the  stroke  by 
straightening  out  the  foot  and  leg  and 
by  bringing  them  back  to  the  first  posi- 
tion. 

Fourth,  after  you  have  exercised  both 
legs  separately  so  as  to  have  the  move- 
ments under  control,  practise  them  to- 
gether so  as  to  acquire  what  their  action 
will  indicate,  "the  scissors  kick." 

Fifth,  combine  the  arms  with  their 
movements,  which  is  done  as  follows: 

First,  advance  the  under  arm  be- 
neath the  water  to  beyond  the  head  as 
far  as  you  can  reach,  keeping  the 
fingers  close  together  and  the  hand 
well  open. 

Second,  draw  the  arm  back  to  its 
place  under  the  hip. 

Third,  carry  the  upper  arm  forward 
and  close  to  the  chest  and  reach  out 
beyond  the  head  as  far  as  possible. 

Fourth,  the  arms  alternate  in  their 
recovery  so  that  when  their  respective 
strokes  are  half  done  the  ,one  in  re- 
55 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

covery  meets  the  other  as  it  is  half 
through  its  delivery. 

Fifth,  in  combination  with  the  legs 
the  upper  arm  keeps  time  with  the 
under  leg  and  vice  versa.  In  other 
words,  when  the  upper  arm  moves 
forward  the  under  leg  advances  to 
take  its  backward  kick  with  the  return 
of  the  arm.  Likewise  with  the  oppo- 
site arm  and  leg. 

The  under  hand  should  never  be 
brought  to  the  surface  in  its  reach  for- 
ward. 

Avoid  bobbing  up  and  down. 
Never  extend  the  arms  away  from  the 
body   either   in   delivery   or    recovery. 
Keep  them  close  up  to  the  chest. 

In  opening  the  legs  do  so  slowly. 
Employ  force  in  bringing  them  to  posi- 
tion. 

SYNOPSIS 

Lie  on  your  right  side ;  strike  out  with 
the  left  arm  and  right  leg.  Bring  them 

56 


n 

o 

O: 


S 

o 


H 

K 

w 


I 


O 


i 


THE  ENGLISH  SIDE-STROKE 

back  to  first  position  while  advancing 
the  opposite  arm  and  leg. 

Breathe  naturally,  inhaling  as  either 
arm  reaches  forth  for  its  delivery:  ex- 
hale as  it  comes  back  to  its  first  position 
by  the  side. 

The  action  of  the  limbs  in  the  side 
movements  of  propulsion  are  very  much 
as  if  you  were  to  lie  upon  your  side  on 
the  floor  and  try  to  urge  your  body  on 
by  alternating  the  steps  against  a  sup- 
posable  moving  wall. 


59 


CHAPTER  VII 

THE  AUSTRALIAN  STROKE 

The  only  difference  between  the  Aus- 
tralian stroke  and  the  English  side-stroke 
is  that  the  upper  arm  is  brought  up  out 
of  the  water  and  over  the  body  for  its  re- 
covery. 

First,  take  the  side-floating  position. 

Second,  start  off  with  the  English 
side-stroke. 

Third,  after  having  made  two  or 
three  such  strokes,  raise  the  upper  arm 
out  of  the  water  from  its  position  on  the 
side  and  carry  it  for  delivery  as  far  be- 
yond the  head  as  you  are  able  to  reach, 
making  the  delivery  the  same  as  in  the 
English  side-stroke. 

Fourth,  be  careful  in  dipping  the  hand 
60 


o 
w 


O 

en 


O 


H 

M 
O 

1 

H 

C/3 

H 


THE  AUSTRALIAN  STROKE 

at  the  conclusion  of  the  recovery  not  to 
spash  the  surface  with  either  the  open 
palm  or  the  forearm. 

BREATHING.  Inhale  with  the 
reach  of  the  upper  arm,  exhale  with  its 
descent 

A  very  graceful  as  well  as  very  effec- 
tive movement  may  be  obtained  by  alter- 
nating the  position  of  the  body  by  turn- 
ing from  one  side  to  the  other.  This  is 
done  with  the  reach  of  either  arm. 
This  is  not  the  trudgeon-stroke  but  will 
give  an  easy  introduction  to  it.  The 
legs  may  either  be  utilized  or  simply 
allowed  to  drag  after  the  body. 


CHAPTER  VIII 

THE  TRUDGEON  STROKE 

The  trudgeon  stroke  is  the  most  diffi- 
cult stroke  to  master,  but  as  it  gives  con- 
siderable speed  it  is  a  very  popular 
one. 

First,  take  the  stomach-floating  posi- 
tion. 

Second,  bring  the  right  arm  up  out  of 
the  water,  raising  the  shoulder  as  you  do 
so,  and  reach  over  sideward  and  for- 
ward as  far  as  possible  for  delivery. 

Third,  in  reaching  for  delivery  bring 
the  legs  up,  widely  separated. 

Fourth,  when  the  delivery  of  the  right 
arm  is  half  finished  and  the  opposite 
arm  is  ready  to  recover  and  turn  the 
body  over  to  the  opposite  side,  the  legs 


0 

w 

CO 

H 
O 


o 

to 


O 


THE  TRUDGEON  STROKE 

should  be  ready  to  kick;  they  should 
close  together  and  straighten  out,  and 
must  have  done  so  as  the  under-arm 
stroke  is  completed. 

Fifth,  repeat  on  turning  to  the  oppo- 
site side. 

Sixth,  be  careful  to  dip  the  fingers 
pointedly  and  without  splashing. 

Seventh,  breathe  in  as  either  arm  ad- 
vances and  the  face  turns  up  from  the 
water  with  the  roll  of  the  body;  exhale 
under  the  water. 

The  kick  in  this  stroke  is  a  compro- 
mise between  a  full  chest-stroke  action 
and  the  scissors  kick,  the  legs  accommo- 
dating themselves  to  the  swaying  move- 
ments of  the  body. 

Care  should  be  taken  to  point  the  toes 
backward  in  the  leg  recovery,  and  to 
present  the  soles  of  the  feet  in  their  de- 
livery. 

The  more  widely  the  legs  are  sepa- 
rated when  drawn  up,  the  greater  will 
be  the  momentum  given  the  body  in  pro- 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

pelling  it  through  the  water  when  they 
close  together  again. 

In  the  illustration  it  will  be  seen  that 
the  kick  has  been  given;  the  body  has 
turned  over  on  to  its  side;  the  legs  are 
ready  to  open  with  the  downward  com- 
pletion of  the  right  arm's  delivery  and 
the  raising  of  the  left  arm  for  its  reach. 

SYNOPSIS 

Take  the  side-floating  position,  left 
side. 

Reach  forward  with  the  right  arm; 
at  the  same  time  separate  and  draw  up 
the  legs. 

When  you  are  about  to  turn  on  to  the 
side  and  the  right  arm  is  half  through  its 
delivery,  kick  and  bring  the  legs  to- 
gether. 

In  reaching  with  the  left  arm  draw 
the  legs  up  for  delivery  as  you  did  with 
the  other  arm. 

Breathe  in  with  the  arm-reach  and  out 
with  its  delivery. 

68 


THE  TRUDGEON  STROKE 

Be  careful  to  avoid  splashing  and  to 
bring  the  arms  from  the  water  without 
either  resistance  or  noise. 

For  the  purpose  of  illustration  in 
Figures  15  and  16  the  head  is  shown 
above  the  water,  whereas  in  swimming 
the  trudgeon  it  must  lie  in  the  water  as 
in  the  crawl  stroke.  For  the  beginner 
it  will  be  found  easier  to  learn  the  arm 
movements  and  roll,  with  the  head  as  in 
illustrations. 


CHAPTER  IX 

THE  CRAWL-STROKE 

The  crawl-stroke  is  the  most  modern 
and  at  the  same  time  the  most  rapid 
stroke.  It  requires  unlimited  endur- 
ance, breathing  capacity  and  activity. 

First,  take  the  stomach-floating  posi- 
tion. 

Second,  keep  the  body  flat  upon  the 
surface,  the  feet  about  six  inches  apart 
and  the  toes  in  direct  line  with  the  shin- 
bones. 

Third,  hold  the  legs  rigid  and  thrash 
them  up   and   down  without  bringing 
them  to  the  surface  or  permitting  them 
to  sink  more  than  four  inches.     During 
this  movement  the  arms  should  be  held 
straight  out  before  the  upraised  head. 
Fourth,  drop  the  face  into  the  water 
72 


THE  CRAWL-STROKE 

and  combine  the  arms  and  legs  in  their 
movements  as  follows:  with  the  dip  of 
the  right  arm  immediately  in  front  of 
and  to  the  side  of  the  head,  strike  the 
water  with  the  left  foot. 

Fifth,  the  head,  which  should  lie  with 
the  face  under  the  water  from  the  mo- 
ment the  stroke  is  begun,  should  be 
raised  so  as  to  take  in  breath  with  every 
fourth  or  fifth  stroke  of  either  arm. 

Sixth,  alternate  the  arms  with  pre- 
cision and  regularity  and  put  power  and 
speed  into  your  movements. 

Exhalation  is  done  beneath  the  water. 
The  head  is  turned  slightly  to  either  side 
in  inhaling,  which  must  be  done  quickly. 

When  the  arm  dips  the  opposite  leg 
thrashes.  The  delivery  is  complete 
when  the  hand  has  reached  the  hip. 
The  forearm  acts  as  a  paddle  in  pushing 
the  water  back  of  the  body  and  should 
act  in  exactly  the  same  manner  as  if  you 
were  paddling.  The  greater  the  activ- 
ity and  force  put  into  your  movements 

75 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

and  the  less  the  resistance  that  would  be 
offered  by  a  properly  poised  body,  the 
greater  the  speed. 

Avoid  presenting  the  surface  of  the 
forearm  when  dipping;  the  pointed 
fingers  should  open  the  water  for  the 
arm  to  follow. 

Never  reach  beyond  the  head. 

Keep  the  body  perfectly  flat  upon  the 
surface,  with  the  face  submerged  so  as 
to  allow  the  head  to  be  in  line  with  the 
back. 

Conclude  the  arm  delivery  by  a  de- 
cided push  against  the  water  and  with- 
draw it  so  as  to  offer  as  little  resistance 
as  possible. 

SYNOPSIS 

Take  the  stomach-floating  position, 
arms  stretched  out  in  front  of  the  head, 
face  submerged. 

Dip  the  right  forearm  in  line  with  the 
side  and  top  of  the  head  and  thrash  with 
the  opposite  leg. 


o 

M 


o 


s 


H 

ffi 


d 

a 


H 

>« 

O 
^ 
W 


V 


THE  CRAWL-STROKE 

Alternate  arms  and  legs  as  rapidly  as 
possible. 

Raise  the  head  at  intervals  so  as  to 
take  breath.  Exhale  under  the  water. 

A  modification  of  the  crawl  may  be 
obtained  by  turning  the  upper  half  of 
the  body  from  side  to  side  while  em- 
ploying the  trudgeon  arm-reach  but 
maintaining  |he  crawl  thrash  of  the  legs, 
opposite  arrrr*to  opposite  leg. 


79 


CHAPTER  X 

THE  CORKSCREW;  TREADING  WATER;  THE 
PENDULUM;  THE  LOG-ROLL 

THE  CORKSCREW.  First,  take 
the  back-floating  position. 

Second,  raise  either  arm  out  of  the 
water  and  carry  it  crosswise  over  the 
body  and  out  beyond  the  head  as  far  as 
you  can  reach,  allowing  the  body  to  roll 
over  as  you  do  so. 

Third,  as  you  come  to  the  face-down 
position,  reach  over  the  back  in  like 
manner  with  the  other  arm,  thus  bring- 
ing the  body  back  to  the  back-floating 
position. 

Fourth,  repeat  quickly  and  employ 
the  trudgeon-stroke  in  the  leg  move- 
ment. 

80 


THE  CORKSCREW 

TREADING  WATER.  First,  take 
the  perpendicular-floating  position  and 
relax  thoroughly. 

Second,  keep  up  a  fanning  movement 
with  the  hands. 

Third,  step  out  as  in  walking. 

Fourth,  breathe  in  long  and  deeply 
and  exhale  slowly. 

THE  PENDULUM.  First,  take 
the  back-floating  position. 

Second,  interlace  the  fingers  back  of 
the  head. 

Third,  allow  the  feet  to  sink  slowly 
and  the  head  to  rise  from  the  water;  at 
the  same  time  extend  the  arms  above  the 
head  as  you  gradually  fall  forward  to 
the  stomach-floating  position. 

Fourth,  reverse  the  movement  and  re- 
turn to  the  back-floating  position. 

The  main  feature  in  this  action  is  the 
breathing.  Fill  the  lungs  to  their  great- 
est capacity  and  exhale  as  you  fall  for- 
ward. 

83 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

THE  LOG-ROLL.  Lie  on  your 
back  and  roll  over  and  over  in  which- 
ever direction  you  desire.  To  do  this 
prettily  you  must  keep  the  arms  well  up 
by  the  sides  and  by  maintaining  a  per- 
fectly relaxed  body,  allow  the  head  to 
lead  it. 

The  intake  of  air  is  done  quickly  as 
the  face  comes  up  and  the  exhalation  as 
it  goes  under  the  water. 


CHAPTER  XI 

WATER-DIVING 

The  class  of  diving  here  described  is 
done  in  the  water,  not  from  a  foothold 
out  of  it. 

FORWARD  -  HEAD  -  FIRST- 
DIVE.  First,  this  is  taken  from  the 
stomach-floating  position  by  raising  the 
upper  portion  of  the  body  by  pressing 
down  upon  the  water  with  the  hands  and 
lifting  the  head  well  up  from  the  sur- 
face :  thus  a  momentary  support  for  the 
dive  is  obtained. 

Second,  shoot  the  arms  quickly  out 
and  downward  in  front  of  the  head, 
which  simultaneously  falls  upon  the 
chest,  as  the  tips  of  the  fingers  touch  the 
surface. 

Third,  the  legs  should  be  drawn  up  at 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

the  moment  your  arms  reach  forth  and 
a  forcible  kick  backward  be  given  with 
the  arm-delivery  so  as  to  urge  the  body 
out  of  sight,  when  you  can  swim  under 
the  surface  until  you  feel  disposed  to 
repeat. 

Figure  19  shows  the  position  of  the 
body  just  before  the  dive.  The  legs  are 
ready  to  kick  out  and  the  arms  to  deliver. 
The  dotted  outline  shows  the  proper  ac- 
tion of  the  limbs  after  disappearing. 
After  the  kick,  you  should  draw  the  legs 
together  and  straighten  them,  prepara- 
tory to  repeating  the  movement  beneath 
the  surface. 

THE  WATER  PORPOISE.  When 
this  is  taken  in  deep  water  it  is  merely  a 
repetition  of  the  previous  one,  the  only 
difference  being  that  the  head  and  feet 
disappear  and  appear  at  regular  inter- 
vals. 

The  breath  is  taken  during  the  short 
moment  that  the  mouth  is  out  of  the 
water,  as  the  body  comes  up  and  goes 


WATER-DIVING 

under.  Exhalation  is  done  beneath  the 
surface. 

This  movement  requires  a  lithesome, 
sinuous  body,  good  breathing  capacity 
and  is  wholly  dependent  upon  supple- 
ness, endurance  and  relaxation. 

THE  REGULAR  PORPOISE. 
This  is  done  in  water  from  six  to  eight 
feet  in  depth  and  is  splendidly  illustrated 
in  Figure  21.  The  whole  secret  of  pro- 
pulsion lies  in  the  impetus  acquired  from 
the  crouching  attitude  to  carry  the  body 
up,  over  the  surface  and  down  again  to 
the  first  position,  which  of  course  is  pro- 
duced by  the  vigorous  spring  taken. 

The  dive  may  be  started  from  either 
a  spring-board,  the  shore  or  the  water. 

On  reaching  the  bottom  the  crouching 
position  should  be  instantaneously  taken 
and  the  upper  spring  made.  The  head 
should  be  held  in  line  with  the  direction 
of  the  body  and  dropped  to  the  chest  as 
it  emerges  from  the  water.  The  arms 
should  lie  close  to  the  sides  and  the  legs 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

be  held  straight  and  kept  close  together 
as  they  follow  the  body. 

When  the  body  has  disappeared  be- 
neath the  surface  you  may  employ  the 
arms  and  legs  to  aid  you  in  getting  mo- 
mentum to  bring  you  back  to  the  crouch- 
ing position. 

There  must  be  no  splashing.  Enter 
and  leave  the  water  noiselessly. 

The  spring  from  and  return  to  the 
bottom  should  advance  your  position  at 
least  ten  or  twelve  feet  each  time. 

You  should  come  to  the  surface  with 
regularity,  say  at  least  once  in  ten  sec- 
onds. 

SINGLE,  DOUBLE,  TRIPLE 
SOMERSAULTS.  Take  a  head- 
position.  As  the  head  enters  the  water 
double  the  legs  up  under  the  abdomen 
and  with  a  rapid,  circular  arm-move- 
ment draw  it  toward  the  chest.  This 
first  dive  from  the  stomach-floating 
will  bring  you  in  a  position  to  repeat, 
which  may  be  done  ad  libitum.  With 
92 


Figure  18 
TREADING    WATER 


H 

K 
W 


o 
^ 

i 

H 

O 


WATER-DIVING 

each  rise  of  the  head  straighten  out  the 
legs  so  as  to  be  able  to  employ  them  as  a 
propelling  force  for  the  next  somersault. 
The  chin  should  always  drop  to  the  chest 
the  moment  you  dive  and  the  breath  be 
taken  in  quickly  as  you  do  so  and  ex- 
haled under  the  water. 

THE  BACKWARD  SOMER- 
SAULT. Take  the  back-floating  po- 
sition. Throw  the  head  well  back  and 
quickly  double  the  legs  over  the  abdo- 
men and  at  the  same  time  throw  the 
arms  back  of  you  so  as  to  grasp  the  water 
to  assist  you  still  further  in  making  the 
turn.  As  soon  as  the  head  rises  to  the 
surface,  straighten  out  the  legs  and 
throw  it  back  so  as  to  repeat. 

TO  SINK  FEET  FIRST,  PER- 
PENDICULARLY. Take  the  stand- 
ing-floating position.  Raise  the  arms 
up  and  over  the  head  and,  pointing  the 
toes  downward,  gradually  exhale  the  air 
from  your  lungs  as  you  sink  gracefully 
out  of  sight. 

97 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

SCULLING.  Balance  the  body 
upon  the  surface  in  either  the  back-  or 
stomach-floating  position,  arms  close  to 
the  sides.  Start  to  rotate  the  hands  and 
forearms  on  the  wrists  and  elbows,  with 
an  inward,  backward  action.  Perfect 
relaxation  is  imperative  for  success  in 
this  action. 

You  may  increase  the  speed  thus  ob- 
tained by  stiffening  out  the  legs  and 
thrashing  the  water  as  in  the  crawl- 
stroke. 


CHAPTER  XII 

DIVING 

STANDING  -  FEET  -  FIRST- 
DIVE.  Stand  erect,  arms  by  the  sides, 
legs  together,  knees  touching.  For  the 
spring  to  leave  the  board  flex  the  knees 
once  or  twice,  coming  upon  the  balls  of 
the  feet  in  rising,  and  jump  out  with  the 
body  perfectly  straight  so  as  to  take  the 
water  toes  first. 

Do  not  permit  the  knees  to  double  up 
or  the  legs  to  separate  after  you  have  left 
the  point  of  departure  and  be  sure  to 
keep  the  arms  well  by  the  sides  until 
you  have  disappeared  beneath  the  sur- 
face. When  you  feel  that  you  have 
sunk  far  enough  bring  the  arms  and  legs 
into  play  so  as  to  swim  up  and  repeat. 
101 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

Before  going  under  the  water  be  sure 
to  fill  the  lungs.  Exhale  slowly  as  you 
drop  out  of  sight. 

A  variation  of  this  dive  is  obtained  by 
raising  the  arms  above  the  head,  with 
the  palms  of  the  hands  touching,  and  in 
holding  them  thus  until  you  are  ready  to 
come  up. 

HEAD  -  FIRST  -  FORWARD- 
STANDING  -  DIVE.  Stand  erect, 
legs  together.  Raise  the  arms  over  the 
head  and  either  interlock  the  thumbs  or 
bring  the  palms  to  touch.  Keep  the 
fingers  straight  and  together.  Rise 
upon  the  balls  of  the  feet  from  a  knee- 
flexed  position  and  jump  forward  with 
a  downward  inclination  of  the  head. 

In  the  .descent  do  not  raise  your  head 
or  you  will  strike  the  surface  on  your 
face  and  stomach. 

On  leaving  the  board  straighten  out 
the  legs  and  feet  and  keep  them  together. 
Never  permit  the  legs  to  separate  or 
bend  once  you  have  left  the  board. 
1 02 


H 

E 
W 


M 

§ 
r 


1 

on 
W 


ff 

a 

Kj 


Figure  22 
FEET-FIRST-DIVE 


DIVING 

In  taking  a  shallow  or  scoop  dive  you 
enter  the  water  more  horizontally. 
This  is  done  by  urging  the  body  outward 
from  the  board  and  by  holding  the  head 
almost  in  a  line  with  the  back.  The 
hands  should  be  well  opened,  the  palms 
down  and  the  tips  of  the  fingers  turned 
slightly  upwards.  The  thumbs  should 
be  interlocked  and  should  not  separate 
until  after  you  have  come  to  the  surface. 
The  position  of  the  hands  and  direction 
of  the  head  control  the  direction  of  the 
body  in  the  water.  You  may  gauge  the 
shallowness  of  your  scoop  by  the  upward 
curve  of  the  fingers  and  the  inclination 
of  the  head. 

This  dive  may  be  varied  by  keeping 
the  arms  close  by  the  sides  from  the 
moment  of  departure  until  you  once 
more  come  to  the  surface.  This  is  some- 
times called  the  sailor's-dive. 

THE  STANDING-BACK-DIVE. 
This  is  rather  a  difficult  dive  to  perform 
107 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

and  requires  considerable  pluck  and  pa- 
tience to  master. 

Stand  erect,  legs  together,  arms  by  the 
sides,  face  toward  the  raft,  head  and 
upper  portion  of  the  body  well  bent 
backward.  Rise  upon  the  balls  of  the 
feet  and,  from  the  spring  afforded  by 
the  flexed-knee  action,  leave  the  board 
so  as  to  take  the  water  head-first.  As 
the  head  leads  the  body  it  must  be  kept 
in  the  same  position  as  it  is  when  you 
jump  and  under  no  circumstances  al- 
lowed to  come  to  an  upright  line  with 
the  back. 

Enter  the  water  with  the  arms  by  the 
sides  and  the  legs  straight  and  together 
and  without  splashing. 

Should  you  so  desire  you  may  employ 
the  arms  so  as  to  aid  you  in  obtaining  a 
backward  and  downward  direction. 
This  is  done  by  throwing  them  over  the 
head  with  a  swing  from  the  sides  as  the 
upward  spring  is  made  with  the  legs. 

When  you  have  become  sufficiently 
1 08 


Figure  23 
HEAD-FIRST-FORWARD-STANDING-DIVE 


Figure  24 
THE    STANDING-BACK-DIVE 


DIVING 

proficient  in  taking  the  back-perpendic- 
ular-dive, you  may  try  the  back-scoop- 
dive,  which  is  done  by  throwing  your- 
self out  horizontally  from  the  point  of 
departure. 

THE  SIDE-DIVE.  Stand  erect, 
legs  together,  arms  extended  above  the 
head,  palms  of  the  hands  touching,  either 
side  presented  to  the  water. 

From  the  knee-flexed  position  spring 
up  and  outward,  with  the  body  slightly 
curved  toward  the  open.  The  entry 
should  be  clean  and  at  an  oblique  angle 
not  over  the  length  of  the  body  from  the 
board. 

Master  the  dive  on  both  sides.  Be 
careful  to  keep  the  legs  straight  and  to- 
gether with  the  feet  turned  back  from 
the  moment  you  leave  the  board  until 
you  have  disappeared  beneath  the  water. 

This  is  particularly  adapted  to  women 
and  is  a  very  effective  and  pretty  dive 
when  properly  done. 

You  may  vary  this  dive  by  keeping  the 

"3 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

arms  close  by  the  sides  and  if  sufficiently 
above  the  water  take  a  side-sailor-dive. 
If  the  board  is  too  low  you  may  spring 
out  horizontally  and  take  the  water  head 
first. 

THE  WHIRL-DIVE.  This  dive 
may  be  done  either  with  or  without  a 
run.  It  may  be  either  a  quarter-,  half-, 
three-quarters-  or  a  whole  turn  of  the 
body.  Or  again  it  may  be  either  one, 
two  or  more  twirls  in  the  air  after  you 
shoot  out  horizontally  from  the  board. 

Stand  in  the  head-first-forward-dive 
position.  As  you  spring  into  the  air, 
shoot  straight  out  from  the  board  and 
begin  the  turn  of  the  body,  which  should 
be  finished  by  the  time  the  momentum 
given  by  the  spring  is  through  and  the 
head  ready  to  take  its  downward  course 
from  its  horizontal  position  in  mid-air. 

It  is  advisable  to  start  with  a  quarter- 
turn,  then  to  take  a  half-twist,  finally 
graduating  to  the  whole  turn  so  that  the 
head  in  taking  the  water  does  so  face 
114 


Figure  25 
THE    SIDE-DIVE 


Figure  26 
THE    WHIRL-DIVE 


DIVING 

down.  The  higher  the  point  of  de- 
parture the  better,  as  it  gives  one  an  op- 
portunity to  make  the  effort  of  turning 
before  striking  the  surface  of  the  water. 
A  distance  of  about  six  feet  from  the 
board  to  the  water  will  be  ample. 

THE  FORWARD  -  SOMER- 
SAULT. Much  practice  and  patience 
as  well  as  courage  and  limberness  is  re- 
quired to  acquire  this  "stunt."  When 
it  is  once  successfully  done  it  will  not 
be  considered  more  difficult  than  any 
other.  It  may  be  done  with  either  a 
run  or  from  the  standing  position  at  the 
end  of  the  board. 

Face  the  open  in  an  erect  position. 
Spring  upward  and  forward  from 
the  platform.  Keep  the  legs  together. 
The  moment  the  feet  leave  their  support 
the  legs  should  be  thrown  over  and  back 
of  the  body  so  as  to  make  a  turn  in  mid- 
air which  will  permit  you  to  enter  the 
water,  toes  first,  with  the  body  in  an  up- 
right position. 

119 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

FORWARD  -  SOMERSAULT, 
HEAD  -  FIRST.  Do  the  same  as  in 
the  previous  dive,  with  the  exception 
that  you  should  make  an  extra  half-turn 
in  mid-air  so  as  to  enter  the  water  head- 
first. 

THE  HANDSPRING.  If  you  are 
muscular  enough  to  bring  your  body  to 
an  erect  position  upon  your  arms,  you 
will  find  this  an  easy  dive. 

Bend  the  body  so  as  to  place  the  hands 
upon  the  extreme  outer  sides  of  the 
board,  and  straighten  up  the  inverted 
body  upon  them.  Slightly  flex  the 
elbows  once  or  twice  so  as  to  obtain  the 
required  spring  to  clear  the  board,  then 
stiffen  the  legs  upward,  toes  pointing, 
and  drop  into  the  water. 

The  dive  may  be  varied  by  making 
either  a  quarter-,  half-,  or  three-quar- 
ters- or  even  a  whole  turn  of  the  body  in 
leaving  the  platform. 

THE  STANDING  -  SIT  -  DIVE. 
Face  the  open ;  stand  upon  the  end  of  a 
1 20 


Figure  27 
FORWARD-SOMERSAULT,    FEET-FIRST 


Figure  28 
FORWARD-SOMERSAULT,    HEAD-FIRST 


DIVING 

suitable  spring-board,  feet  well  forward. 
From  the  knee-flexed  position  take  a 
gentle  upward  spring  and  come  down  to 
a  sitting  position  upon  the  extreme  end 
of  the  board:  with  the  rebound  shoot  up 
and  out  into  the  air,  dropping  the  chin 
upon  the  chest  and  inclining  the  head 
and  body  forward  as  you  do  so,  with  the 
hands  in  position  to  take  the  water  as  in 
a  standing-head-first-dive.  Be  careful 
to  straighten  out  the  legs  and  to  keep 
them  together  after  you  leave  the  board 
from  the  sitting  position. 

THE  STANDING-SIT-STAND- 
ING-DIVE.  This  dive  is  very  similar 
to  the  one  just  explained,  the  only  differ- 
ence being  that  instead  of  taking  the 
water  from  the  sitting  position  you  again 
allow  the  body  to  rebound  to  the  feet, 
and  from  the  standing  position  you  make 
the  ordinary  standing-head-first-dive. 

THE  STANDING-SIT-SOMER- 
SAULT-DIVE.  Stand  erect;  drop  to 
sit  and  with  the  rebound  make  a  com- 
125 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

plete  turn  in  mid-air  so  as  to  take  the 
water  feet  first.  When  the  feet  enter 
the  back  faces  the  raft. 

BACK  -  DROP  -  TO  -  SIT  -  RE- 
BOUND-BACK-DIVE. Stand  upon 
the  end  of  the  board  and  face  the  point 
of  departure;  drop  to  sit-astride;  re- 
bound to  a  standing  position  and  take 
the  regular  back-dive.  A  back-somer- 
sault may  also  be  taken  in  this  manner. 

THE  BACK-JACKKNIFE-DIVE. 
Stand  upon  the  end  of  the  board  facing 
the  raft.  Take  a  good  upward  and 
backward  spring,  doubling  the  body  in 
mid-air,  so  that  the  hands  may  touch  the 
toes,  then  quickly  straighten  out  the  arms 
and  legs  and  enter  the  water  with  the 
finger  tips  and  face  toward  the  open. 

For  the  Front-Jackknife-Dive  simply 
reverse  the  position  upon  the  board. 

The  front- Jack  may  be  made  with  a 

run,  and  this  further  varied  by  a  twist 

in  the  air  so  as  to  make  either  a  quarter-, 

half-,  three-quarters-  or  whole  turn  be- 

126 


Figure  29 
THE    HANDSPRING-DIVE 


Figure  30 
THR    STANDING-SIT-DIVK 


DIVING 

fore  finally  straightening  out  to  enter  the 
water. 

THE  SWAN-DIVE.  Stand  erect; 
throw  the  head  well  back;  stretch  the 
arms  before  and  above  the  head  as  if  you 
were  about  to  make  an  ordinary  front- 
dive;  jump  well  up  into  the  air  and 
quickly  bring  the  arms  to  right  angles 
with  the  sides  of  the  body,  palms  of  the 
hands  turned  up,  at  the  same  time  strain- 
ing the  arms  well  back  of  you,  so  as  to 
expand  the  chest  and  to  hollow  the  back. 
Hold  the  body  in  mid-air  in  this  position 
for  a  fraction  of  a  second,  when  the 
chin  should  drop  upon  the  chest  and  the 
arms  come  rapidly  forward  to  the  head- 
first-dive  position  and  the  water  taken 
either  in  the  form  of  a  scoop-  or  deep- 
dive. 

THE  -  CANNON  -  BALL  -  DIVE. 
This  is  a  dive  requiring  much  precision 
and  vigor.  Stand  upon  the  end  of  the 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

board  and  take  a  strong  upward  and  out- 
ward leap,  doubling  up  the  legs  in  under 
the  body  so  as  to  grasp  them  with  the 
hands  below  the  knees  when  in  mid-air. 
Kick  back  with  force  and  bring  the  arms 
and  legs  into  position  for  a  head-first- 
dive. 

There  are  many  other  dives  but  they 
will  be  easily  mastered,  if  those  ex- 
plained are  properly  executed. 


132 


Figure  31 
STANDING-SIT-STANDING-DIVE 


Figure  32 
STANDING-SIT-SOMERSAULT-]>IVE 


CHAPTER  XIII 

HOW  TO  TEACH  SWIMMING 

I 
First,  know  how  to  swim  yourself. 

Second,  obtain  the  OUDJI'*  . 


Third,  teach  him  how  to  float. 

Fourth,  instruct  him  in  the  back- 
swimming  movements. 

Fifth,  teach  him  the  chest-stroke. 

Impress  upon  your  pupil  the  fact  that 
you  will  never  leave  his  side  and  that 
you  will  never  bring  him  beyond  his 
depth  in  the  water. 

When  he  attempts  to  float,  be  near 
him  so  as  to  prevent  his  head  going  under 
water. 

Never  joke  at  his  expense  in  the  water. 

After  you  have  both  waded  out  up  to 
the  hips,  have  him  dip  himself  so  as  to 

137 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

immerse  the  body  completely,  then  assist 
him  to  lie  upon  his  back  by  holding  the 
back  of  his  head  in  the  palm  of  your 
right  hand  until  he  is  comfortably 
positioned.  Remind  him  of  the  neces- 
sity of  relaxing  and  breathing  properly, 
then  leave  him  to  float  by  himself. 

Should  the  pupil  object  to  your  letting 
him  go  altogether,  take  hold  of  the 
waist-band  of  his  trunks  and  simply  have 
him  believe  that  you  are  holding  him 
up,  until  he  gets  into  perfect  relaxation 
and  obtains  the  necessary  confidence. 
This  comes  very  quickly,  once  he  feels 
at  home  in  the  water  by  loosing  up  every 
muscle. 

As  soon  as  he  has  mastered  one  style 
of  floating,  try  the  next  and  when  he 
realizes  that  his  body  is  perfectly 
buoyant  he  will  be  in  a  position  to  do 
anything  you  may  require  in  the  move- 
ment of  the  limbs,  without  being  ham- 
pered with  the  thought  of  either  fear  or 
tension. 

138 


HOW  TO  TEACH  SWIMMING 

Your  next  endeavor  should  be  to  teach 
him  how  to  swim  upon  his  back. 

When  he  has  become  proficient  in  the 
back-strokes  you  should  graduate  him 
to  the  stomach  ones.  The  easiest  and 
quickest  way  is  to  take  hold  of  his  hands 
and  help  him  to  turn  over  on  to  the  chest- 
stroke  position,  telling  him  at  the  same 
time  to  keep  up  his  leg  movements. 
Keep  his  head  above  water,  without  ten- 
sion of  the  neck  muscles,  which  will  be 
a  great  point  gained,  because  the  im- 
proper poise  of  the  head  is  responsible 
for  nearly  all  the  unpleasant  features  in 
swimming,  such  as  pains  in  the  back, 
slow  progress  through  the  water,  fatigue, 
headache,  etc. 

While  you  move  his  arms  in  coordi- 
nation with  his  leg  movements,  you 
should  be  walking  backward  so  as  to 
give  the  body  the  advantage  of  mo- 
mentum in  sustaining  it.  Count  one 
with  the  drawing  up  of  the  legs,  two 

139 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

with  their  outward  and  backward  kick 
and  three  with  their  closing. 

The  proper  coordination  of  the  arms 
and  legs  is  sure  to  follow  if  you  draw 
the  arms  forward,  open  them  out  and 
keep  them  working  in  unison  with  the 
legs,  which  are  controlled  by  the  pupil 
himself.  As  the  legs  close  you  should 
aid  him  in  acquiring  the  habit  of  ad- 
vancing his  arms  himself.  Now  relin- 
quish the  hold  of  one  hand  and  have  the 
learner  use  the  other  alone  in  combina- 
tion with  the  legs. 

Accustom  him  to  exhale  with  the 
closing  in  and  forward  movement  of  the 
arms  and  to  inhale  with  their  opening. 

While  moving  backward  and  holding 
his  hands,  you  should  frequently  drop 
either  one  or  the  other  so  as  to  accustom 
both  arms  to  the  stroke.  When  you  feel 
confident  that  he  has  the  rhythm,  let  go 
both  arms,  when  he  will  swim  alone  for 
a  stroke  or  two,  perhaps  indefinitely. 

When  the  pupil  seems  proficient 
140 


Figure  33 
BACK-DROP-TO-SIT-REBOUND-BACK-DIVE 


HOW  TO  TEACH  SWIMMING 

enough  to  try  it  alone,  have  him  face  the 
shore  and  do  so.  You  may  hold  him  by 
the  bathing-suit  between  the  shoulders, 
if  he  is  over-timid,  for  the  first  two  or 
three  trials. 

Never  sustain  a  person  by  placing  the 
hand  under  the  chin.  This  develops 
the  habit  of  throwing  the  head  back  and 
tensing  the  neck  muscles,  which  in  turn 
throws  the  lower  section  of  the  body  out 
of  position. 

As  soon  as  the  chest-stroke  is  mas- 
tered and  the  beginner  can  swim  around 
freely,  he  may  take  up  the  other  strokes 
by  simply  watching  you. 


CHAPTER  XIV 

ACCIDENTS 

If  you  are  unable  to  swim  and  should 
fall  into  deep  water,  keep  your  wits 
about  you  and  relax  so  as  to  allow  the 
body  to  sustain  itself  and  turn  over  onto 
your  back. 

Do  not  endeavor  to  keep  the  head 
above  the  surface  by  raising  the  arms 
over  it  or  by  running  the  risk  of  ex- 
hausting yourself  by  splashing  the  water. 

Do  not  keep  up  a  continuous  shout- 
ing. Use  your  lung  power  to  breathe 
in  as  deeply  as  you  can. 

If  you  are  able  to  swim  and  are  seized 

with  cramps,  endeavor  to  get  into  your 

most  comfortable  position  for  floating 

and  start  at  once  to  rub  the  affected 

144 


ACCIDENTS 

part.  This  will  quickly  ease  the  pain 
and  eliminate  the  difficulty. 

If  you  are  able  to  swim  and  are  seized 
by  a  drowning  person  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  make  it  impossible  for  you  to  dis- 
engage yourself  from  him,  thus  running 
the  risks  of  a  double  fatality,  it  behooves 
you  to  save  your  own  life  if  possible. 
A  very  simple,  and,  I  have  frequently 
found,  effective  way,  is  to  allow  your- 
self to  sink,  when  almost  at  once  the  in- 
stinct of  self-preservation  will  cause 
your  antagonist  to  let  go  of  you.  When 
free,  you  may,  if  you  feel  competent, 
try  to  save  him  by  choosing  the  hold 
you  think  the  most  convenient,  when 
you  again  come  to  the  surface.  An- 
other manner  is  to  force  one  of  your 
knees  into  his  stomach  and  with  both 
hands  upon  his  chest  or  shoulders,  or 
one  hand  over  the  Adam's  apple  on  the 
neck,  force  him  away  from  you. 

You  should  never  allow  the  nervous, 
noisy,  rattle-headed  crowd  either  to  in- 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

timate  what  to  do  or  interfere  with  your 
judgment  or  actions  when  a  human  life 
hangs  in  the  balance,  and  when  you, 
because  of  your  knowledge  of  the  re- 
quirements of  the  water  and  its  treach- 
erousness,  have  to  go  to  the  rescue. 
Those  who  are  the  most  disposed  to  give 
advice  and  to  "boss"  matters  are  either 
incapable  of  aiding  you  or  are  cow- 
ards. 

Likewise,  in  the  work  of  resuscita- 
tion, if  you  are  acquainted  with  its 
requirements,  do  not  allow  any  inter- 
ference but  deliberately  carry  out  your 
work.  Nobody  should  be  permitted  to 
stand  around  you  while  in  the  perform- 
ance of  your  serious  and  arduous  task 
of  bringing  back  to  life  an  unfortunate. 
Should  you  require  the  aid  of  one  or 
two  persons,  it  will  be  quite  easy  for 
you  to  choose  them. 

If  necessary,  take  the  law  into  your 
own  hands  in  obliging  the  addle-headed 
and  curious  to  stand  off  so  as  to  give  you 
146 


Figure  34 
BACK-JACK-KNIFE-DIVE 


ACCIDENTS 

room  to  work  and  the  victim  a  chance 
to  breathe. 

It  is  very  unwise  to  risk  your  life  for 
mere  bravado's  sake.  It  is  likewise  a 
poor  thing  to  look  for  reward,  as  it  de- 
stroys the  satisfaction  of  the  deed;  fur- 
thermore, the  chances  are  that  if  your 
act  was  a  really  meritorious  one,  you 
will  not  get  it. 

It  is  unwise  to  jump  into  the  water 
for  a  drowning  person,  if  there  is  a 
plank,  a  rope,  a  life-preserver  or  a  boat 
convenient  and  you  are  able  to  reach 
the  individual  with  either.  If  you  can 
get  him  to  hold  on  to  whatever  you 
throw  or  shove  out  to  him,  rapidly  di- 
vest yourself  of  your  shoes,  coat  and 
vest  and  then  go  to  his  further  assistance. 
So  long  as  he  has  something  to  support 
him  he  will  not  risk  sinking  by  letting 
go,  and  thus  you  can  do  more  easily 
what  is  necessary  for  you  to  do  than  if 
he  were  without  these  aids. 

All  your  actions  with  a  drowning 
149 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

person  must  be  cool  and  deliberate. 
Never  shout  at  him,  for  by  so  doing  you 
increase  his  nervousness.  Talk  slowly 
and  positively  to  him;  this  will  cause 
him  to  relax  and  to  conserve  his 
strength,  as  well  as  impart  confidence 
and  reason. 

It  will  not  detract  from  the  glory  of 
your  act  to  call  for  aid  when  you  swim 
out  after  a  drowning  person,  and  it 
'should  always  be  done,  if  there  is  any- 
body around. 

Never  face  the  individual;  come  up 
behind  him  so  as  to  obtain  your  grip. 
If  he  has  been  capsized  from  a  boat, 
assist  him  to  get  a  hold  on  it,  anywhere ; 
then,  taking  your  position  at  the  farther 
end,  tow  it  ashore. 

There  are  several  ways  of  bringing  a 
drowning  person  to  shore.  The  ARM- 
LOCK,  Figure  35;  the  CHIN-HOLD, 
Figure  36;  the  SHOULDER-GRIP, 
Figure  37.  Let  your  choice  of  either 
suit  your  particular  form  of  swimming, 
150 


o 
o 


ACCIDENTS 

or  that  in  which  you  feel  most  at  home. 
If  you  have  a  strong  side-stroke  the 
arm-lock  will  be  the  best.  It  is  em- 
ployed as  follows: 

THE  ARM-LOCK.  Come  up  be- 
hind the  person  and  throw  your  left 
arm  around  his  neck  so  as  to  have  the 
elbow  immediately  over  the  Adam's  ap- 
ple, thus  allowing  you  the  use  of  the 
other  arm  and  both  legs  to  swim  to  some 
place  of  safety.  Should  your  charge  at 
any  time  become  fractious,  just  press 
with  the  elbow  upon  the  apple,  when  he 
will  at  once  become  as  docile  as  a  lamb. 

THE  CHIN-HOLD.  If  you  are  a 
buoyant  but  slow  swimmer  you  will  find 
this  the  most  convenient  manner  to 
bring  a  person  to  safety.  In  it  you 
have  a  ready  means  to  overcome  any 
effort  to  grapple  with  you,  which  is 
simply  done  by  pressing  the  head  under 
water,  as  shown  in  the  illustration. 

If  you  have  to  deal  with  a  person  who 
is  not  conscious  or  refractory,  the 

153 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

Shoulder-Grip  may  be  found  the  most 
convenient. 

Should  the  victim  be  a  woman,  turn 
her  over  on  to  her  back  and,  taking  hold 
of  her  by  the  hair,  swim  off  with  her  to 
a  place  of  safety  in  the  manner  most 
convenient  to  you.  Her  buoyancy  and 
position  on  the  water  will  make  it  very 
easy  for  you  to  propel  her,  and  that 
without  any  fear  of  interference  on  her 
part,  as  you  will  have  complete  control 
and  she  will  simply  have  to  submit  to 
conditions  which  give  you  the  absolute 
mastery  of  her. 

When  physical  force  or  even  harsh 
methods  are  necessary,  do  not  hesitate. 
To  do  so  would  show  a  want  of  common 
sense  rather  than  an  absence  of  feeling. 
A  good  blow  in  the  face  or  under  the 
jaw  with  the  clenched  fist  will  give  you 
the  required  control.  It  must  always 
be  borne  in  mind  that  in  the  few  mo- 
ments one  has  to  act  in  such  times  and 
places,  good  generalship  and  not  sym- 
154 


ACCIDENTS 

pathy  or  sentiment  counts.  When  the 
individual  recognizes  why  you  struck 
him  he  will  not  question  the  wisdom  of 
your  action. 


157 


CHAPTER  XV 

RESUSCITATION  METHODS 

There  are  several  very  good  means  of 
restoring  animation  to  an  all  but  lifeless 
body,  any  of  which  may  be  employed. 
One  that  is  pretty  generally  known  and 
used  is  perhaps  the  best  to  consider  first, 
although  the  others  are  much  more  sim- 
ple, up-to-date  and  less  fatiguing. 

In  this  first  system  two  persons  are 
required.  The  manner  of  proceeding 
is  as  follows: 

First,  be  quick;  lose  no  time;  every 
second  counts  in  the  race  with  death. 

Second,  loosen  all  clothing. 

Third,  lift  the  body  between  you, 
with  the  head  hanging  down  as  in  the 
illustration,  Figure  38.  Grasp  it  by 


RESUSCITATION  METHODS 

the  upper  arms  with  a  good  hold  and 
seize  the  front  part  of  the  legs  with  the 
hands  by  passing  the  arms  between 
them. 

Fourth,  shake  the  body  up  and  down 
two  or  three  times  so  as  to  free  the 
mouth  and  nostrils  from  slime  and 
water. 

Fifth,  place  the  victim  upon  his  back, 
with  the  shoulders  slightly  raised,  by 
either  banking  the  sand  under  them  or 
by  folding  your  coat  for  that  purpose. 
See  Figure  39. 

Sixth,  draw  the  tongue  well  forward 
and  tie  it  with  your  handkerchief  so 
that  it  will  not  fall  back  and  block  the 
pharynx,  thus  choking  the  individual 
and  making  all  your  efforts  useless. 

Seventh,  begin  artificial  breathing, 
by  taking  hold  of  the  forearms  as  in 
Figure  40  and  drawing  them  up  and 
back  of  the  head.  Have  your  assistant 
place  his  hands  upon  the  lower  sides  of 
the  chest  and  as  you  draw  the  arms  over 
161 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

the  body  and  back  of  the  head  have 
him  press  the  chest  walls  well  in,  releas- 
ing the  pressure  when  the  arms  have 
reached  their  destination. 

The  pressure  should  be  gradual  and 
in  unison  with  the  progress  of  the  arms. 
When  the  arms  are  brought  back  to  the 
lower  chest  you  should  press  with  con- 
siderable force  upon  it,  your  assistant 
doing  likewise  with  the  sides. 

The  arms  should  be  moved  with  pre- 
cision and  regularity  at  the  rate  of  from 
sixteen  to  eighteen  times  a  minute. 

If  two  or  more  extra  persons  are  pres- 
ent, they  may  be  advantageously  made 
use  of  by  each  taking  a  leg  and  briskly 
rubbing  it  upward  toward  the  groin,  as 
soon  as  breathing  has  been  established 
but  under  no  circumstances  before. 

If  a  physician  is  available  send  for 
him  as  soon  as  you  are  sufficiently  free 
to  do  so;  complications  which  you 
might  be  unable  to  cope  with  may  occur. 

As  soon  as  respiration  is  natural  wrap 
162 


Figure  38 
FIRST    MOVEMENT    IN    RESUSCITATION 


RESUSCITATION  METHODS 

the  individual  up  in  warm  blankets  and 
give  him  a  free  access  to  all  the  fresh 
air  possible.  Do  not  talk  to  him  or 
smoke  around  him. 

Results  are  frequently  hastened  by 
holding  smelling  salts  under  the  nose, 
and  if  handy  they  may  be  employed. 

SINGLE-HANDED  TREATMENT 

First,  place  the  victim  upon  his  stom- 
ach. 

Second,  raise  the  body  by  grasping  it 
under  the  waist-line,  so  that  the  head 
will  hang  down,  then  shake  the  body 
gently  up  and  down  two  or  three  times 
so  as  to  get  out  the  water  and  slime  from 
the  mouth  and  nose. 

Third,  place  the  body  upon  its  back, 
with  shoulders  raised. 

Fourth,  draw  out  the  tongue  and  tie 
it. 

Fifth,  imitate  the  breathing  move- 
ments by  compressing  and  expanding 
the  lower  ribs  with  your  open  hands  at 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

the  rate  of  from  sixteen  to  eighteen 
times  a  minute. 

The  hands  in  this  form  of  resuscita- 
tion are  placed  more  over  the  sides  than 
the  abdomen,  and  the  arms  should  be 
brought  up  from  the  sides  to  beyond  the 
head. 

As  in  the  previous  form  of  procedure, 
use  warmth  and  friction  as  soon  as 
breathing  has  been  established. 

In  elderly  people  the  bones  are  very 
brittle  and  may  be  easily  fractured,  so 
great  care  should  be  taken  to  avoid  such 
an  accident.  This  may  be  safely  pro- 
vided against  if  your  pressure  is  gradual 
and  made  with  a  widely  expanded  hand, 
covering  as  much  surface  as  possible. 

THE  HALL  METHOD 

A  very  simple  and  effective  method  is 
that  known  as  the  'Hall  Method  and  is 
done  as  follows: 

First,  rid  the  mouth  and  nose  of  slime 
and  water  by  raising  the  lower  section 
166 


RESUSCITATION  METHODS 

of  the  body  so  that  by  having  the  head 
in  a  suspended  position  the  slime  and 
water  will  run  out. 

Second,  place  the  body  upon  its  side. 

Third,  roll  the  body  on  to  its  stom- 
ach; at  the  same  time  press  down  upon 
the  back  between  the  shoulder-blades, 
slowly  counting  ONE,  TWO,  THREE. 

Fourth,  releasing  the  pressure,  turn 
the  body  over  on  to  its  side  again  and 
repeat  until  breathing  has  been  estab- 
lished. 

The  best  position  to  assume,  to  roll 
the  body  from  side  to  stomach,  is  in 
kneeling  at  its  back. 

DIRECT  INFLATION 

This  is  done  by  holding  the  tongue 
forward,  closing  the  nostrils  and  press- 
ing upon  the  "Adam's  apple,"  thus  clos- 
ing the  entrance  to  the  stomach.  Take 
a  long,  deep  inhalation  and  breathe 
forcibly  into  the  person's  mouth  so  as  to 
expand  the  lungs,  then  press  down  upon 
169 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

the  chest  so  as  to  expel  the  air.  Repeat 
until  effective.  DO  NOT  GIVE  UP. 

As  soon  as  breathing  has  been  estab- 
lished spirits  may  be  given  in  teaspoon- 
ful  doses,  or  better  still,  a  glass  of  warm 
milk  or  gruel,  if  you  have  it  at  hand. 

Be  sure  of  warmth  by  proper,  but 
light,  covering,  plenty  of  fresh  air  and 
absolute  quiet. 

THE  SCHAFER  PRONE 
METHOD 

This  is  the  most  modern  idea  for  re- 
suscitation, is  readily  employed  when 
no  assistance  is  at  hand  and  is  perhaps 
the  best  method  of  any. 

First,  rid  the  mouth  and  nose  of  all 
mucus  and  water. 

Second,  place  the  individual  flat 
upon  his  stomach,  with  the  arms  ex- 
tended in  front  of  the  head. 

Third,  kneel  by  his  side  or  across  his 
body,  one  leg  on  each  side  of  it. 

Fourth,  place  your  hands  over  the 
170 


RESUSCITATION  METHODS 

lower  ribs  with  the  fingers  covering  the 
sides. 

Fifth,  begin  to  sway  your  body  for- 
ward and  backward  so  as  to  allow  your 
weight  and  its  release  to  alternate  up 
from,  and  down  upon,  the  wrists.  Ex- 
ert the  pressure-  gradually  and  slowly, 
allowing  three  seconds  for  each  pressure 
and  two  for  its  release. 

As  there  is  very  little  muscular  fa- 
tigue in  this  system  and  the  results  are 
quick,  it  is  perhaps  the  best  to  become 
proficient  in.  Another  strong  feature  is 
that  the  tongue  is  unable  to  fall  back, 
thus  eliminating  a  very  great  danger. 


173 


CHAPTER  XVI 

DON'TS 

Never  go  into  the  water  after  diges- 
tion has  started;  two  hours  should 
elapse  so  as  to  give  the  stomach  ample 
time  to  finish  what  it  has  begun. 
Cramps  are  frequently  the  consequence 
of  this  injudiciousness,  and  should  you 
be  fortunate  enough  to  escape  them, 
you  may  rest  assured  that  you  will  not 
be  equally  lucky  in  avoiding  the  evil 
effects  to  the  stomach  which  such  a  lack 
of  common  sense  is  sure  to  produce. 

While  it  is  not  advisable  to  eat  while 
bathing,  a  person  may  do  so  without  the 
results  just  mentioned,  if  he  is  either 
actually  employed  in  the  water  or  stay- 
ing in  it  while  making  his  meal ;  this  is 
because  the  digestive  organs  are  not  in- 

174 


DONTS 

terfered  with  by  the  rapid  withdrawal 
of  blood  from  them,  the  circulation  ac- 
commodating itself  to  the  requirements 
of  the  conditions  under  which  the  sys- 
tem in  general  is  working. 

Unless  you  are  an  expert  swimmer 
you  should  never  go  beyond  your  depth. 
Even  though  you  are  an  expert,  it  is  not 
always  advisable  to  show  your  ability  to 
disport  yourself  in  the  water,  for  by  so 
doing  you  encourage  the  incompetent 
and  inexperienced  to  follow  you,  fre- 
quently with  fatal  results. 

It  is  wrong  to  go  into  the  water  for 
a  short  time  and  come  out  and  rest  on 
the  warm  sand  in  the  hot  sun.  If  you 
desire  a  sun  bath,  take  it  either  before 
or  after  your  swim.  No  living  being 
can  stand  such  enervating  practices,  and 
there  is  no  doubt  that  many  of  the  in- 
curable diseases  of  the  heart,  circula- 
tion, nerves,  skin,  etc.,  come  from  such 
habits. 

If  you  are  very  warm  and  have  to 
175 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

wade  into  the  water  so  as  to  take  your 
dip,  it  will  be  found  advantageous  first 
to  wet  the  nape  of  the  neck,  the  arm-pits 
and  the  chest.  This  will  minimize  the 
shock  to  the  system,  especially  if  the 
water  is  cold. 

If  the  sun  is  very  strong  and  you  are 
inclined  to  loiter  for  any  length  of  time 
on  the  beach  or  in  the  water  it  will  be 
found  a  good  practice  to  keep  the  head 
covered. 

After  a  severe  test  of  speed  or  over- 
exertion,  swim  around  slowly  for  a  few 
minutes  so  as  to  help  the  heart  back  to 
its  normal  action.  Never  hurry  out  of 
the  water  after  strenuous  efforts. 

It  is  very  injurious  to  stay  in  the 
water  if  you  are  cold  or  have  felt  a  chill. 
You  should  get  out  of  it  and  stimulate 
good  circulation  by  good,  deep  breath- 
ing, a  brisk  walk  or  some  active  and 
general  calisthenic  movements  of  the 
body. 

Great  care  should  be  taken  of  where 


DONTS 

you  dive.  Find  out  the  depth.  Look 
for  pointed  rocks  beneath  the  surface. 
See  that  there  are  no  water-logged 
scantlings  with  the  pointed  end  floating 
in  such  a  manner  that  to  strike  it  would 
mean  complete  impalement.  Project- 
ing timbers,  unsuspected  stone-shoul- 
ders, sudden  shallowness  of  water,  etc., 
play  a  very  dangerous  part  in  the  pas- 
time of  diving  but  may  be  easily  avoided 
with  very  little  precaution. 

In  diving  from  a  spring-board  always 
be  sure  of  your  footing  and  throw  your- 
self so  far  from  it  and  the  raft  as  is  con- 
sistent with  safety  and  grace. 

If  the  raft  is  a  long  one  and  the  tide 
is  flowing  in  or  out  very  rapidly  or 
there  is  a  strong  current  beneath  it,  it  is 
wiser  and  safer  to  not  dive  from  the  end 
the  current  goes  under. 

It  is  dangerous  to  dive  in  at  that  end 
to  which  the  anchor  or  chains  are  at- 
tached. 

The  exact  depths  of  the  water  at  both 
177 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

high  and  low  tides  should  always  be 
ascertained  before  indulging  in  the  ex- 
hilarating amusement  and  everything 
done  to  assure  safety  as  well  as  pleasure. 

If  you  are  not  a  good  swimmer,  and 
even  if  you  are  one,  do  not  get  on  a 
crowded  raft  when  a  number  of  thought- 
less people,  or  hoodlums,  are  trying  to 
capsize  it.  Many  have  been  drowned 
in  that  way,  for  in  the  scramble  to  get 
away  from  under  it,  the  strugglers  after 
safety  are  apt  to  forget  the  humanities 
and  to  leave  the  poor  swimmers  to  look 
after  themselves.  Or  perhaps  this  may 
be  reversed  and  the  good  swimmer  be 
pounced  upon  for  support. 

Do  not  attempt  to  go  to  the  raft  un- 
less you  are  thoroughly  competent  to 
do  so. 

Those  using  wings  or  other  means  of 
support  should  never  go  beyond  their 
depth. 

The  wise  never  go  swimming  where 
the  undertow  is  strong. 


DONTS 

When  the  sea  is  kicking  up  very 
much  and  there  are  guide  ropes  extend- 
ing out  to  the  raft,  never  attempt  to 
work  your  way  out  to  it  by  drawing 
yourself  out  over  them. 

When  a  person  is  afraid  of  the  water 
do  not  force  or  drag  him  into  it.  In 
children  this  practice  is  very  apt  to 
bring  on  some  very  serious  nerve  com- 
plaint, and  furthermore  to  make  it  very 
difficult  to  learn  how  to  swim  when  the 
time  to  do  so  arrives.  It  is  best  to  allow 
beginners  to  amuse  themselves  as  they 
deem  fit.  As  soon  as  they  become  ac- 
customed to  the  water  they  will  become 
reckless  enough. 

Never  break  a  promise  given  in 
the  water.  Confidence  once  destroyed 
there  is  hard  to  regain. 

Do  not  jump  upon  a  beginner,  nor 
should  you  swim  under  him  and  en- 
deavor to  catch  his  legs.  It  should  al- 
ways be  borne  in  mind  that  "once  scared 
179 


MODERN  SWIMMING 

in    the   water,    seldom,    if    ever,    made 
brave  again." 

One  should  never  question  the  in- 
structor or  life-guard's  judgment  in  re- 
gard to  dangerous  practices  or  risks  in 
the  water. 

Never  go  any  distance  from  the  shore 
in  a  canoe.  Canoes  are  made  for  in- 
land streams  and  brooks,  not  expansive 
bodies  of  water,  and  under  no  circum- 
stances should  you  go  out  with  a  person 
who  does  not  know  how  to  swim. 

Never  try  to  exchange  places  or  to 
stand  up  in  a  canoe. 

An  experienced  canoeist  never  sits  up 
on  a  seat  on  a  level  with  the  gunwale. 
Canoes  with  perforated  seats  are  very 
dangerous.  One  should  sit  down  as 
low  as  possible  in  such  frail  and  treach- 
erous boats. 

In  getting  into  a  boat  always  step  into 
the  centre  of  it  and  draw  it  towards  the 
wharf  with  the  foot.     Likewise,  when 
1 80 


DONTS 

getting  out,  draw  the  boat  towards  the 
landing.  Do  not  all  try  to  disembark 
at  once;  an  upset  will  follow  and  per- 
haps a  fatality. 

In  a  steamer  or  power-boat,  never  rush 
to  the  side  with  the  crowd  of  ignorant 
or  thoughtless  ones  to  see  what  the  mat- 
ter is.  The  reason  is  obvious. 

Never  use  a  stimulant  before  going 
into  the  water;  it  is  very  dangerous  to 
do  so.  If  you  have  to  stimulate  after 
you  come  out,  quit  the  bathing  and  take 
to  stimulants  altogether.  Several  good 
breaths,  exercises  such  as  rolling  the  ab- 
domen, taking  a  short  run,  employing 
calisthenic  movements,  etc.,  will  do 
more  good  in  restoring  circulation  than 
all  the  whiskies  ever  invented. 


THE  END 


RE1 


14  DAY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

LOAN  DEPT. 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or 

on  the  date  to  which  renewed. 
Renewed  books  are  subject  to  immediate  recall. 


ED 


REC'D  LD 


C22'63-4PM 


20  1995 


—  -  - 


-^ 

RE 


DEC  Q  *»  1995 


3RC 




01 .  HLL 


REC'D  L-J 


JUN211963 


3-  1999 


Y 


U.  C.  BERKELEY  LIBRARIES 


W_- 


357372 


V\ 


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